Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Development Plan Document

Strongly disagree

I wish to provide feedback as part of your consultation process on the Water Lane, Bearsted proposal. I am a local Bearsted resident with experience and understanding of Gypsy and Traveller issues, both historic and the practical aspects of present day living. I believe this proposed location is not suitable for the proposed purpose and I object to the proposal in the strongest terms. Location and sustainability, Residential Amenities the impact on Landscape rural character would be massive. There literally isn’t any infrastructure for the existing population with insufficient local schools, dentists and doctors, this development would make matters significantly worse and would not be sustainable. Highways and access , road safety, visibility, congestion are again already issues with the narrow roads throughout Bearsted, the majority of which are single file due to parked cars. Depending on the Gypsy and Travellers activities, if they engage in pony and trap driving or racing the risk to others is significant. I have experienced this in Headcorn and Horsmenden and it is extremely dangerous. Cumulative impact on local services and infrastructure especially the Impact on the Green would be massive and hugely impactive on the local community. Many children's sport activities, monthly fair and cricket/ summer events could be significantly impacted to the detriment of the existing community Please do not allow this application to go ahead